Sena reconnects with grassroots units on Thackeray’s birthday

MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena on Monday made the most of its chief Balasaheb Thackeray’s birthday to reconnect with its grassroots units before the BMC polls. Meetings were held at street corners, crackers burst and sweets distributed in many parts of Mumbai, as Thackeray celebrated his 85th birthday.
The celebration was aimed at boosting the sainiks’ dropping morale, which took a plunge following Anand Paranjpe’s break from the party.As the festivity started, the Sena patriarch appeared briefly at his window, greeting his followers. The Nepali Maha Sangh conducted a “maha-mrityunjay yajna” at Matoshree, praying for Thackeray’s long life. The Sena chief was also weighed against ‘rudraksha’.
In its commemorative issue, Sena mouthpiece Saamna published a front-page article by Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi who likened Thackeray to Shivaji. “Thackeray has the strength and aggression of Shivaji Maharaj,” Modi stated. Commending Thackeray for his selfless service to Maharashtra, Modi said, “Balasaheb brought many common workers into the political mainstream.”
Modi’s praise should warm the cockles of the Sena’s heart as the Gujarat CM is seen tilting towards Thackeray’s estranged nephew, MNS chief Raj Thackeray. Even Nitesh Rane, Congress minister and Thackerays’ arch rival Narayan Rane’s son, twitted his best wishes: “Thackeray Sr holds a unique and special place in politics.”
However, a discordant note was struck with reports of Gaurav Dalvi, son of senior Sena member Datta Dalvi, joining the NCP. In Saamna, Thackeray lambasted “those who leave the Sena for quick political gains”.
Stating that the ayaram-gayaram culture was the bane of India’s democratic system, the editorial said: “This doesn’t happen in the UK or the US. A Republican Senator doesn’t defect to the Democrat Party for political profit.” Saamna also slammed Sharad Pawar and the NCP for engineering defections in the Sena. Yet, speaking to reporters, Thackeray called Pawar a “friend”.
“Pawar will continue to be my friend,” he said. At a rally, Uddhav Thackeray and RPI’s Ramdas Athavle resolved to win the BMC poll and the assembly polls in 2014.